The Department of Justice has conceded that the “Cartel de los Soles,” a drug cartel previously cited by the Trump administration to justify military action in Venezuela, does not exist. The original claim, appearing in a 2020 indictment that identified Nicolás Maduro as its leader, has been revised to state that Maduro merely supported a system of drug-money patronage. Experts suggest the term “Cartel de los Soles” was a slang term, and the revised indictment more accurately reflects the reality of the situation. Despite the DOJ’s shift, some officials continue to invoke the name of the non-existent cartel.
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President Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism. Well, that’s not exactly a shock, is it? When faced with such serious accusations, the obvious response is a plea of not guilty. It’s the starting point, the legal maneuver that kicks off the whole process. But the situation surrounding this particular case raises so many questions, it’s hard to know where to begin.
The very nature of the charges, “narco-terrorism,” is something that warrants a closer look. Is this a legitimate charge? It sounds like something right out of a spy novel. Are the actual crimes more run-of-the-mill, and the “narco-terrorism” part is just there for the sensationalist headlines?… Continue reading
Witnesses reported gunfire near Venezuela’s presidential palace in Caracas, with videos surfacing online showing weapons being fired. The Ministry of Communication later stated that police fired warning shots at unauthorized drones flying over the area, clarifying there was no confrontation. This incident occurred amidst political unrest following a U.S. operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro. Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed president, and she has expressed interest in dialogue while condemning the operation.
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The Swiss government has imposed an immediate freeze on assets held in Switzerland by Nicolas Maduro and 37 individuals connected to the Venezuelan president. This action aims to prevent the potential transfer of illegally acquired assets and will remain in effect for four years. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed the freeze, emphasizing the possibility of future legal proceedings related to the Maduro administration’s potential loss of power. This marks the first time Switzerland has directly sanctioned Maduro and his associates, supplementing existing measures against Venezuela from 2018.
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Following the weekend’s surprise attack on Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, several Democratic lawmakers are calling for President Trump’s impeachment. These lawmakers are citing concerns over Trump’s actions, including the alleged pursuit of regime change and the destabilization of the region. The calls for impeachment come amidst a chaotic political climate where the U.S.’s role in the country remains uncertain, as evidenced by conflicting statements from within the administration. Several other congress members have indicated they are not ruling out impeachment either.
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Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a New York federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The charges include conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses, alleging that Maduro worked with drug cartels. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Maduro’s legal team is expected to challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing immunity. This dramatic U.S. intervention, which the U.S. defends as a law enforcement action, has triggered global condemnation, an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, and diverse responses from the Venezuelan government and international actors, with implications for the country’s oil reserves and political future.
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Following a US military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba has declared two days of mourning for 32 Cuban citizens killed during the operation. The state-run Prensa Latina agency reported these “fighters” died in direct combat while assisting Venezuela’s military at their request, while Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. US President Donald Trump stated a significant number of Cubans were killed, while the UN Security Council is set to discuss the controversial intervention, which has drawn condemnation from Russia and China, who have called for Maduro’s safety and accused the US of violating international law.
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Following the extraction of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuela’s military recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the acting leader, appointed by the Supreme Court for 90 days. Rodriguez, who had served as Maduro’s vice president, condemned the U.S. actions as a kidnapping but left the door open for dialogue, while the Trump administration issued a warning regarding her cooperation. Maduro, along with his wife, arrived in New York to face federal charges, while the Venezuelan Defense Minister reported casualties from the U.S. operation and urged citizens to resume normal activities.
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On Sunday, January 4, 2026, China urged the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, following the US’s seizure of them. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US action, labeling it a violation of international law. China called for the US to halt its actions and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation. This condemnation echoed sentiments from Russia and Iran, while allies like France and the EU expressed concern, albeit with nuanced positions on Maduro’s legitimacy.
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Following the US abduction of Nicolás Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodríguez defiantly declared Venezuela would never be a colony and demanded Maduro’s release, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s plans. Rodríguez’s remarks, delivered alongside key Venezuelan officials, signaled unified resistance against the US’s attempt to control the country’s government and oil reserves. Trump, who claimed to be appointing individuals to lead Venezuela, threatened further attacks and warned Venezuelan officials of similar consequences as Maduro, who is detained in Brooklyn. These actions have been met with condemnation from some US politicians, who see it as the US starting an illegal war.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood